The following books have been written and published about Mt Wilson.

The Story of Mt Wilson in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales

The first history of Mount Wilson was written by Gilbert Hughes and published in 1955, coinciding with a renewed post war interest in gardens and plants. This small book, of only 25 pages gives a brief overview of the geology of the Blue Mountains, outlines the eight early houses and their owners and mentions some notable features and avenues. It contains a number of black and white photos which give glimpses into the past, and it reproduces the sketch map of Fred Mann. It was published by the Progress Association and has been revised several times. Gilbert Hughes was a friend of Fred Mann and for a while Hughes’ family owned Yengo. Copies of the most recent edition are available from Libby Raines at Merry Garth.

Mount Wilson, New South Wales: its location, settlement and development

Dr. C. H. Currey’s more substantial history of Mount Wilson with interesting detail about the early explorers and discovery of the northern basalt mounts and the difficulty of access. Currey was a well regarded historian and he quotes from early surveyors and visitors. He too discusses the years of early settlement giving details about the owners and their properties, and continues the history into the mid years fop the 20th century. It includes some early photos and colour photos from his own garden. Dr Currey owned a property, Three Gables, in Church Lane. This book was published in 1968 and has been out of print for some years.

A Mount Wilson Childhoood

An evocative and fascinating memoir by two sisters of the Gregson family, Helen Warliker and Margaret Fromel, paying  tribute to the hardships and difficulties of life in a remote place in the early 20th century; but it also celebrates the surrounding bush and the many joys of childhood freedom. Published in 1990.

Trees of History and Romance

A delightful book by Michael Pembroke celebrates the trees that are found on his property, Hawthorn, by examining their ‘character’, and their role in history and legend, in the wild and in our gardens. It includes also a poem about each tree and beautiful, evocative drawings by Libby Raines. Usefully, it also lists the birds and fauna of the Mountain. It was published in 2009.

A Passion for Place: gardens of the Blue Mountains

Over 30 gardens of Mt Wilson, Mt Irvine and Mt Tomah are explored here through the voices of the gardeners, the history of each place and the glorious photographs of Ian Brown. It includes many historical photos and was written by Alison Halliday, who has a long connection to Mt Wilson, and Joanne Hambrett, garden designer. It was published in 2010.

Several other small books have been published over the years which give insights into the character of Mt Wilson, and its people.

Dennarque: A Mount Wilson Story

Dennarque, A Mount Wilson Story, captures the four seasons with stunning photographs through the year.  As you enter the gates of the Estate, the book invites readers in to explore the sprawling cool climate garden, which is rarely open to the public. With the foreword by Jamie Durie, the book takes you through short narratives on each season. The book also tells the important story of the historical background of the heritage property and gardens. More about the book or to buy a copy click here...

Mountain Cookery

a collection of recipes gleaned by Ann Pigott from residents, published in 1991.

Mount Wilson: a potted history

by Audrey O’Ferrall which combines recipes with historical snippets. Published in 1985

Trees of Mount Wilson

A description and guide to the many European and American trees found in the streets and gardens of Mount Wilson, by botanist Don Schofield.

Mount Wilson Walks

is a valuable guide to walks both long and short, on the mountain itself and in the surrounding bush by Libby Raines, indefatigable walker, one of the founders of the local walking group, and owner of Merry Garth.

There are also many mentions of the history of Mount Wilson, memoirs of its people, and details of its gardens in a variety of sources in the Mitchell Library in Sydney.